Indications are that the British challenge for the gala Night of Stars meeting at Shelbourne Park on Saturday week will be exclusively confined to the longer races, with a strong possibility of three entries for the Track Bookmakers Night of Stars 850.

Indications are that the British challenge for the gala Night of Stars meeting at Shelbourne Park on Saturday week will be exclusively confined to the longer races, with a strong possibility of three entries for the Track Bookmakers Night of Stars 850.

Dean Childs yesterday confirmed that his star stayer Musical Gaga will be entered and she would be the likely favourite to take the €10,000 prize.

The TV Trophy winner has never been beaten over the extended marathon distances and was recently a finalist in the English St Leger over a trip too short to see her at her best.

The other likely British entries in this longest race of the night are the Jason Heath-trained Castlehill Aris and Mark Wallis' Aayamzabella.

There could be quite a battle for places in this contest, with the home-trained entries likely to include Handonthefan, Volcano, Razldazl Marilyn, Plutos Rena and Kathleens Holly.

As anticipated, Charlie Lister will not be travelling with any of his star trackers, with the likes of his St Leger winner Farloe Tango remaining at home for a competition at Monmore.

A number of potential Night of Stars runners are due to trial at Shelbourne before racing on Saturday night.

Among them will be the likes of last weekend's Select Stakes winner Vanrooney, recent Drumbo finalist Aero Nemesis and Laurels favourite Glenanore Dancer.

DUNDALK BIRTHDAY

Dundalk Stadium will celebrate its 10th birthday on Friday week and it promises to be a great occasion, with all sorts of activities planned in addition to the horse racing meeting in the afternoon followed by the evening greyhound gathering. The card will include four finals and four opens.

SKY DOUBT

Robert Gleeson reports that his young tracker Kingsmill Sky is a doubtful runner for the second round of the Puppy Stake on Saturday night.

The recent Future Champion winner at Enniscorthy sustained a nasty spike in a toe in the first round and is being treated, but was reported yesterday to be "very sore at the moment".

The likelihood is that a decision on his participation won't be made until Friday.

BEST BETS

While slightly disappointing last time, Brendan Murphy's Rockmount Puma (9.30) would be a hot fancy to win the A2 550 at Shelbourne tonight if in anything like the form he displayed during the Puppy Derby.

Meanwhile, Larry Clancy's Lookusup (9.45) will likely be an entry for the Night of Stars 850 and should have the ability to win the D2 750, where Lord Miley could be a strong contender.